A INTRODUCTION III EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 1 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

A. INTRODUCTION III. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION 1

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEFINED Communication is a process of exchanging ideas and feelings It occurs when meaning is conveyed from one person to another verbally and nonverbally (Peris Mary Hamilton) 2

EXAMPLE OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION Think about how you communicate nonverbally in the following situation? Eg: When you walk into a room and you are distracted by the fact that you are behind schedule, you walk directly to the IV and never address the patient

EXAMPLE OF VERBAL COMMUNICATION Think about what you are communicating verbally in the following situation: VERBAL: You tell the pt you are going to teach them (x, y, z) , but never assess their readiness for teaching. They may be thinking of their child at home who is sick, or about a bill that they cannot pay, or of their job which they may lose if they aren’t discharged soon

ASSERTIVENESS DEFINITION: type of inter-personal behavior which enables an individual to act in his own best interest, to stand up for himself without anxiety, to exercise his rights without denying the rights of others. 5

DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ACT ASSERTIVELY? YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though there is no guarantee of getting your way, this behavior may lead to a compromise Despite the end result: You will feel better about yourself You have an increased chance of getting your way You have treated others respectfully You have avoided a hostile situation

MISCONCEPTIONS IDENTIFY WHY NURSES AVOID ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION? 7

IDENTIFY WHY NURSES AVOID ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION? Nurses see assertiveness as contrary to the traditional characteristics of a nurse: 1. 2. 3. nurturing, other-centered, self-denying

MISCONCEPTIONS Assertive communication is misconceived to be the same as aggressive behavior. In reality assertive behavior maintains a balance between which two types of behavior? Between aggressive and passive behavior

Is ASSERTIVENESS Difficult to Learn? Assertiveness can be learned It is risky and anxiety producing It is not genetic It is not just for extroverts. It is a skill and as with all the complex technical skills learned by nurses it takes practice to perfect

COMPARISON BETWEEN PASSIVE, AGGRESSIVE AND ASSERTIVE BEHAVIOR CONCERNS BALANCE OF RIGHTS: ASSERTIVE BEHAVIOR: your rights other’s rights PASSIVE BEHAVIOR: YOUR RIGHTS AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR: other’s rights 11

ACCOMODATING Unassertive, cooperative tactic used when individuals neglect their own concerns in favor of others’ concerns Frequently used to preserve harmony 12